We have all been hit with an unplanned bill or put in an unexpected financial situation at what seems like the worst possible time. When the impact is great enough — especially for those living on low incomes — it can cause someone to miss their next rent payment, or worse: it can kickstart a spiral into homelessness.
The most common reasons for missing rent payments include:
- Job loss or cut hours
- Medical bills or lost pay from taking medical leave
- Caring for a sick or injured relative
- Death of a family member, taking time off for bereavement, or funeral expenses
Community Roots’ Rental Assistance Programs
Rental assistance works. That is why Community Roots Housing operates two in-house rental assistance programs: the Housing Stabilization Program and the Emergency Assistance Fund. Each is uniquely designed so that Community Roots residents can get the help they need, when they need it. Over 100 Community Roots households were supported this year with rental assistance.
The Housing Stabilization Program
The Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) works to address the “why” behind some of our residents’ chronic economic insecurity that prevents them from staying on top of their rent payments. Modest or fixed incomes make it difficult to keep pace with Seattle’s rapidly rising costs of living. To prioritize essential needs such as food, childcare, or healthcare, residents can find themselves consistently falling behind on rent. While most traditional rental assistance programs focus on short-term relief, the HSP focuses on the root causes of housing instability.
Through the HSP, residents receive rental assistance of up to $7,000 to relieve the immediate burden of accumulated arrears. Just as importantly, each household develops an individualized Housing Stability Plan with a Community Roots Resident Services Coordinator. These plans help identify and address the underlying challenges that lead to financial hardship, connecting residents with resources such as public benefits, childcare, or job opportunities. Residents also participate in group financial coaching sessions to strengthen budgeting and money management skills. Over $100,000 in Housing Stabilization funds were disbursed to Community Roots households in 2025.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Community Roots Housing households earn an average of $33,000 per year, making unplanned expenses — like an urgent car repair or unexpected medical bill — difficult to manage on top of existing bills. The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program provides just-in-time support to households that are at risk of falling behind on rent due to an unforeseen financial setback. The program is designed as short-term and low barrier, preventing a one-time, emergency expense from snowballing into housing crisis. Residents can request up to one month’s rent in assistance funds. Community Roots has awarded over $50,000 and counting of Emergency Rental Assistance funds this year.
“I’ve felt as though I’ve been treading water up to my chin for a few months now. Thank you doesn’t adequately cover how much mental tension this releases. Or how truly grateful I am for this kindness.” – ERA recipient
Both the HSP and ERA are made possible through philanthropic grants from a number of private family foundations and U.S. Bank, as well as from individual donors. Your support is crucial now more than ever to keep our residents stably housed. Donate today or stay on the lookout for more information about our rental assistance programs in the coming months!
